Sticky Hot Honey Chicken Wings
Hot honey wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, bringing together the best of sweet, spicy, and sticky flavours in every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a game night, planning a BBQ, or just craving a delicious snack, these wings are guaranteed to impress. The combination of golden crispy wings and a rich, glossy honey glaze infused with heat makes this dish completely irresistible!
I love air frying them for a healthier option that still keeps them crispy, but you can just as easily deep fry or toss them straight on the BBQ for a smoky summer vibe.
However you choose to cook them, this hot honey glaze is next-level delicious - you’ll be licking your fingers for sure!
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About this recipe
What Are Hot Honey Wings?
Hot honey wings are exactly what they sound like – crispy chicken wings coated in a mouthwatering hot honey glaze.
The sauce is made with honey for sweetness and chilli peppers for heat, creating a perfect balance of flavours.
The beauty of this recipe is that you can adjust the spice level to your liking, making them as mild or as fiery as you want!
A Brief History of Hot Honey
Hot honey has become a major trend in recent years, but the idea of combining sweet and spicy flavours has been around for centuries.
Inspired by traditional spicy-sweet condiments in various cuisines, hot honey became popular in the U.S. thanks to its versatility – it’s now drizzled over pizza, fried chicken, and, of course, wings!
This flavour-packed sauce elevates simple dishes with just the right amount of heat and sweetness.
Why You’ll Love These Hot Honey Wings
- Crispy & Sticky: The perfect combo of crunchy wings and a glossy, sticky glaze.
- Customisable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste!
- Air-Fryer Friendly: A healthier option that keeps the wings just as crispy.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party appetiser, game-day snack, or BBQ staple, these wings are a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken wings, flats and drums separated
- Oil spray for cooking
For the chicken
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
For the coating
- 3 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch
- 3 tbsp tapioca starch, or just more cornflour/cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
For the hot honey glaze
- 50g butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 1 chilli pepper, finely diced. I used a scotch bonnet here for ultimate heat
- 1/2 tbsp lime juice
For garnish
- 1 stalk spring onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Pair it with
Instructions
1. Marinate the Wings
In a large bowl, mix the chicken wings with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss well to coat evenly and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavour).
2. Coat the wings
If barbecuing, skip this step. For the airfryer or baking in the oven, in a separate bowl, whisk together the tapioca starch, cornstarch, and baking soda.
Dredge the marinated chicken wings in this mixture, ensuring each wing is evenly coated. Shake off any excess coating for a lighter, crispier texture.
3. Air fry or bake the chicken
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 200°C (400°F). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange wings in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!) and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Oven: Preheat to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place the wings on a wire rack, and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway.
- BBQ: Grill over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, flipping frequently until crispy.
4. Make the sauce
While the wings are cooking, prepare the sauce. Melt the butter in a small pan over low heat.
Add chopped chilli peppers and minced garlic, and sauté for a minute. Stir in honey and sriracha and the juice of one lime. Keep the sauce warm to prevent it from thickening.
5. Toss in sauce
Once the wings are crispy and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer. Immediately toss the wings in the warm sauce, coating them lightly. Avoid over-tossing to maintain their crispy texture.
6. Serve and enjoy
Serve the wings hot, garnished with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds. Pair them with a side of your favourite dipping sauce or enjoy them as they are!
FAQs
1. Can I make these wings less spicy?
Yes! Reduce or omit the fresh chillies and use less hot sauce for a milder version. You can also add extra honey to balance the heat.
2. How do I keep my wings crispy after tossing them in sauce?
To maintain crispiness, lightly coat the wings in the sauce instead of soaking them. Serve immediately for the best texture!
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftover wings?
Reheat in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes or in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the wings.
4. Can I use store-bought hot honey instead?
Absolutely! You can drizzle pre-made hot honey over crispy wings for a quick shortcut, but homemade sauce has a richer depth of flavour.
5. Can I make these wings in advance?
Yes! Cook the wings first, store them in the fridge, and reheat in the oven or air fryer before tossing them in the fresh hot honey sauce.
Video demonstration
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